How big is market for replacement doors

[Guest]

Hi,

I'm considering buying into a replacement door franchise and I'm wondering how big this market is.

I think that I can make a reasonable stab at estimating the number of people that buy replacement kitchens in an area each year, but how many buy replacement doors? (say for a catchment of 200,000 households)

Does anybody have any pointers for me?

Thanks.

[jonny round boy]

I'm no longer self employed, but when I was I only ever did one replacement door job. That was for an older couple who *really* looked after their old kitchen, and as the kitchen was really small I figured it was easier to keep the carcases as they were in really good nick. The doors needed to be odd sizes, and they wanted a painted finish so I had doors custom made (pop frames/MDF panels).

I did have a couple of customers ask for replacement doors, but 99% of the time the carcases are completely shagged, and aren't worth trying to save. I always tried to persuade them to go for a full new kitchen, and if they didn't I walked away. It's just not worth the hassle IMO.

[andy5405]

Same as above, only ever done one. It was good money though and I have considered pushing it a bit harder.

[HudsonCarpentry]

Your best bet is selling direct to customers. I have found a lot of people that can't afford to redo there whole kitchen don't get a fitter in to replace off the shelf door sizes. They source, buy and fit them selves.

If your looking at buying the business then you need to look at the books, current orders and client base. This will tell you what the market is like. If the company is any good like.

[mammy]

Hi,

Does anybody have any pointers for me?

Thanks.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ↑↓↕  →

[Guest]

Thanks for the input so far, but to clarify:

a) I am not an established fitter and am initially just looking at this venture as a stand alone (part time) business.

b) Direct sales is accepted as the (only) way to go.

c) The franchise is for a new geographical area so there is no set of current accounts to look at, though there are adjacent areas whose accounts might be available.

I can see that most people who replace doors DIY, but I assume that there is a market for "fully fitted" replacements, in the same way that there are handymen who make a living "fitting" Ikea furniture for people too clumsy to do it for themselves. The question is how big a market?

I am trying to asses two things:

1) Is there going to be enough business to cover all of the fixed costs of operating this business, leaving a modest income, in replacement doors alone, or is it only possible to make a living doing this by "upselling" a percentage of contacts to (nearly) full replacement, something that I am reluctant to do in the short term.

2) Is the franchisor going to be happy with just a "minimal" order from replacement doors or will they expect to be selling multiple full kitchens each month? (I realise that they will tell me this, but I don't want to appear completely unprepared for the suggestion).

Thanks

[voltarol]

How can anyone on here answer those questions,we have no idea what your running costs will be let alone how much business you are likely to get,and what you consider a modest income,if I knew it would work I would re mortgage my house,bombard the place with advertising and let the money come in,but I don't know so I just limp along doing what I'm doing,the answers you have had so far are probably as good as you can expect,good luck with your venture if you do decide to go ahead

[Fitter Steve]

Ive done a couple myself but never pushed it . I think there is a market for it though.

As for buying a franchise. Why not find a few good door suppliers and spend the money it would cost to buy a franchise on advertising and reap all the rewards yourself. That way you will be able to supply any make of door. You will also need to be able to supply the odd new unit, panels cornice etc and wirework. Thinking bout it you will need to be able to supply the whole lot that will be the easy part of setting the business up

[mammy]

Hi,

Does anybody have any pointers for me?

Thanks.

Do you expect people to buy doors off you to fit themselves?
I hope not.
That raises the questions who will drill the doors, fit the hinges and handles and do you have the skill and tools/machinery?
If not you then one must ask is the profit in the sales of doors or the fitting of doors?
Do you imagine that all hinge spacings are standard?
Do you hope that hinges and base plates will be interchangeable between carcasses?
Do you suspect that all carcasses will be suitable for rehanging, either in terms of their quality or their state of fit, level and squareness?